Our Trustees

Meet the dedicated volunteers who manage and preserve Lydbrook Memorial Hall for our community. Our trustees bring diverse skills and unwavering commitment to ensuring this historic venue thrives for generations to come.

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Lydbrook Memorial Hall is managed by a board of volunteer trustees who are passionate about serving our community. We work together to maintain this cherished venue, organise events, and ensure the hall remains accessible to all residents of Lydbrook and the surrounding areas.

Meet The Team

Our trustees bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles

Geoff Phelps - Chair
Chair

Geoff Phelps

Geoff has spent almost his entire life in Lydbrook. Born at the Dilke and raised on Hangerberry, he went from Lydbrook School to Berry Hill Secondary before joining the Army at 16, serving for five years. After time spent living in various Forest villages, he eventually found his way back home to Lydbrook. For the past 30 years he has worked in the Forest of Dean restoring steam engines, a craft that perfectly complements his long-standing interest in the area’s industrial heritage and its railway history.

Andrew Clements - Trustee
Trustee

Andrew Clements

Andrew

Michael J.Charlton-Hubble - Trustee
Trustee

Michael J. Charlton-Hubble

For the past 24 years, Michael has made his home in Lower Lydbrook, bringing with him a remarkable life story that began with many years in Canada, including running a Trading Post close to the Arctic Circle. When he returned to the UK, he worked with legal teams on the Cromwell Street murder case and later spent over twenty years as Superintendent Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. In retirement, he continues to give back—conducting funerals, supporting members of the Foresters Friendly Society, and helping to organise social events and grants. His charity work has already raised more than £150,000, and he currently serves as Chair of the Gloucestershire Gay and Lesbian Community Group. Michael and his husband, Alan, have shared 21 happy years together. They love their touring caravan, holidays, their cat Billy, and tending the garden. Life in Lower Lydbrook and the Forest remains a joy for them both.
He has lived with his husband, Alan, for the past 21 years, enjoy their touring caravan, holidays, pet cat Billy and the garden. They both love living in Lower Lydbrook and the Forest.

Dr. Giles Horsfield
Treasurer

Giles Horsfield

Giles has lived in Lydbrook since 2007 and represented Lydbrook Players on the Hall committee since August 2022. He loves living in this area, and really enjoys walking and running in the Forest and Wye Valley. He has been in the Players for over 10 years and has been lucky enough to feature in some great productions. He has served on their committee for some years and is currently treasurer. His background is in biology, though he has worked in demography and social statistics for most of his career.

Judy Jackson - Trustee
Trustee

Judy Jackson

Judy doesn’t live in Lydbrook but attends the church here and has been involved in developing the Sunday school room as a community space in Lower Lydbrook.

Stuart Allison - Trustee
Trustee

Stuart Allison

Stuart moved from East Yorkshire to Lydbrook in January 2015 with his wife, Valerie, so they could live, following retirement, in a place they chose to be rather than having to chase work all over the country. They walk most days in the forest. They have a daughter, now married and living in Australia. Valerie plays lawn bowls in Coleford. Stuart writes fiction and some short nonfiction pieces for online platforms under the pen name of Stuart Aken, and posts a daily picture of the natural world, on FaceBook, to encourage love of the natural world. He joined the committee at the AGM in June 2016 and has served a period in the Chair.

Chris Jackson - Trustee
Trustee

Chris Jackson

Chris

Bruce Hogan - Trustee
Trustee

Bruce Hogan

Bruce came to the Forest as a young schoolteacher and has lived in Lydbrook since 1976. He has represented Lydbrook on the County, District and Parish Councils. He was first elected as a trustee of the Memorial Hall and Recreation Ground in 2000. He maintains a keen interest in community issues, and has recently rejoined the Hall trustees and Parish Council.

Andrew Clements - Trustee
Trustee

Nicola Jones

Nikkie

Stuart Allison - Trustee
Trustee

Joy Thorburn

Joy does not (yet!) live in Lydbrook but was called as Community Pastor by Lydbrook Baptist Church, in Lower Lydbrook, while completing her theological and ministerial training at Bristol Baptist College. She currently lives in Gloucester with her husband and Elvis the collie cross! They love walking in the Forest, and as well as taking Sunday services and running Little Lydbrook, the church’s Monday toddler group, Joy is taking every opportunity studies and family allow, to get to know the Lydbrook community and how the church can engage and support.

Trustee Responsibilities

Governance & Strategy

Setting the strategic direction of the hall, ensuring compliance with charity law, and making key decisions about operations and development.

Financial Oversight

Managing the hall's finances responsibly, approving budgets, monitoring income and expenditure, and ensuring financial sustainability.

Community Engagement

Listening to community needs, promoting the hall's services, and ensuring the venue serves all residents effectively.

Facilities Management

Overseeing maintenance, health and safety compliance, and ensuring the building remains fit for purpose and welcoming.

Board Meetings

Regular Meetings

Our trustees meet monthly to discuss hall operations and community needs

Next Meeting
07 April 2026
7:00 PM

Monthly Board Meetings

1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM

Annual General Meeting

Date - TBC

Special Meetings

Called as needed for urgent matters or major decisions

Community Members Welcome

Local residents are welcome to attend our AGM and can request to observe regular board meetings. Contact the Secretary for more information.

Interested in Becoming a Trustee?

We're always looking for dedicated community members to join our board. If you're passionate about Lydbrook and want to help shape the future of our memorial hall, we'd love to hear from you.

10 - 12
Meetings per year
100 %
Volunteer role

What We're Looking For

  • Commitment to serving the Lydbrook community
  • Ability to attend regular evening meetings
  • Skills in finance, marketing, facilities, or community engagement (helpful but not essential)
  • Willingness to learn and contribute to decision-making
Express Your Interest